A Meaningful Life

A meaningful life can be defined in many different ways. Education, family traditions, and life experiences each play an integral role in how one defines a meaningful life. As a person matures and begins to arrive at personal convictions, it is crucial for them to understand that they are not limited to the thoughts of others. But, one must use others' opinions to become more knowledgeable. College establishes a learning environment whereby a person can give and receive opinions. Learning from others through every day experiences is a common occurrence on college campuses and nurtures opportunities that allow for fuller understanding of a meaningful life.

It is important to recognize that political socialization in the United States is dominated by geographic location. For instance, it is common for students in Los Angeles and New Orleans to be exposed to different political and moral ideals that help define their own meaningful lives. Therefore it is important for all students to embrace and learn from alternative ways of thinking. Such exposure traditionally occurs during college years. Tulane University is a prime example of this specific learning environment. Tulane students typically come from across the United States bringing their own political and moral ideals. These ideals allow students to engage in discourse which fosters a broader awareness of the varying dispositions in the quest for a

meaningful life. Tulane, like all colleges, aspires to provide its students with more than just a college degree. Tulane aims to allow their students the opportunity to arrive at their own convictions not just those of their home towns.

As an institution for higher level learning, colleges are meant to do more than supply knowledge for specific areas of interest. Colleges are intended to provide platforms for finding and exploring other options that can enhance a meaningful life. The results create a well-rounded individual benefiting not only the independent thinker, but society as a whole.